McTimoney Chiropractic For People
McTimoney Chiropractic is a straight-forward method of adjusting the bones of your body to maintain the correct alignment of your spine and pelvis and to ensure that your body's nerve supply is working efficiently. The treatment consists of initial assessment of the musculo-skeletal system followed by a range of specific and very accurate 'adjustments'. These adjustments are carried out swiftly and a light touch is used. Most people find the treatment is generally comfortable to receive. Correction of imbalances of the joints helps to improve movement and reduce stiffness and pain.
What to Expect from Your First Treatment
The McTimoney approach to Chiropractic assesses and treats the entire person - compensatory problems can often be picked up when pain has been an issue for some time. This holistic approach can often help to prevent future problems. Initially, a full case history will be taken regarding your health background as well as details of your symptoms. This will help in assessing and analysing your particular problem. Following examination, a proposed plan for chiropractic care will be agreed. Treatment will commence at the first session as long as it is appropriate to do. An explanation of the treatment, and a clinical impression of the problem will be given during the session.
If a problem is suspected that requires medical investigation or an x-ray, you will be referred to your GP. Chiropractors work in co-operation with the medical profession and a letter may be sent to your doctor informing them of your treatment.
Your spinal column is made up of 24 moveable vertebrae, the sacrum and coccyx. This column houses the spinal cord through which nerve information is transmitted to the rest of your body. Whilst the spinal column maintains correct alignment, nerve information is passed accurately. However, if any part of your spinal column becomes misaligned then a nerve may become pinched and this can distort the information being passed along it. The result can be pain, discomfort or restricted mobility. This can happen for many reasons such as incorrect or unbalanced lifting, car or sporting accidents, childbirth, falls, stress, occupational reasons and poor posture.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
People respond individually but generally 2-6 treatments are indicated to alleviate chronic symptoms. Acute symptoms often clear more quickly. Factors that influence the number of treatments needed are:
- Your age. People generally heal more slowly as they get older.
- The nature of the problem. A simple backache will often clear more quickly than a sciatic problem.
- How long you have had the problem. Generally, yesterday's injury will resolve quicker than one of 20 year's standing.
Typically most patients need between 2-6 treatments (you will be advised at your first session of the likely amount needed). Initially this will start at weekly intervals then become more widely spaced out as the condition improves. Once resolved, regular check-ups are recommended to maintain your body at its optimum - some people prefer to ring if they start to feel 'twinges' and that is fine too.
What Conditions Respond Well To McTimoney Chiropractic?
Most musculo-skeletal conditions respond well. i.e. back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica and 'trapped nerves'. Migraines and headaches can often improve along with chronic pain from old injuries and posture related issues. Along with the obvious benefits of reducing or even banishing pain, it seems that the treatment also often enhances better sleep and a general sense of improved energy and well being.
Responses and Reactions to Treatment
During a course of treatment most patients feel physical changes as the body re-aligns. These may include a brief period of stiffness or tiredness - usually followed by a sense of well-being and relief from stress. The first and second treatments are usually the ones that seem to evoke any reactions.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Chiropractic is also a preventative therapy and when used in this way greatly improves physical health and well being, helping to avoid long spells of discomfort. Regular check-ups help ensure that your body maintains a healthy balance in all aspects of its daily functioning.
The Patient's View
In 1997 a survey of chiropractic patients was conducted on behalf of the McTimoney Chiropractic Associated. Here is a summary of the results:-
- 89% of patients rated their satisfaction with the McTimoney treatment they had received as either ''extremely'' or ''very satisfied''.
- 85% felt that McTimoney treatment had been ''very beneficial'' in the management of their painful condition.
- 62% sought McTimoney treatment for low back pain.
- 93% had recommended McTimoney to their friends and family.
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